Drapery rings and system

Abstract

A drapery support rod system is presented having a drapery support rod connected to a structure by a pair of brackets. Rings positioned around the drapery support rod are used to connect shade material to the drapery support rod. The rings have an upper end with an interior surface that is configured to fit closely around the exterior surface of the drapery support rod in a manner configured to facilitate smoother and quieter travel of the rings across the surface of the drapery support rod. When viewed from the sides, the rings have an oval shape that is elongated between an upper end and a lower end. The oval shape has a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end that is larger than the first diameter.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A drapery system, comprising;
 a ring;   the ring having an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides;   the ring having an exterior surface and an interior surface;   the ring forming a hollow interior;   when viewed from one of the opposing sides, the ring having a generally oval shape that is elongated between the upper end and the lower end; and   the interior surface having a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter;   a drapery support rod;   the drapery support rod having an exterior surface;   wherein the exterior surface of the drapery support rod is generally cylindrical in shape;   wherein the exterior surface of the drapery support rod has an exterior diameter corresponding in size with the first diameter of the ring; and   wherein when the drapery support rod is rotated, the ring slides along the exterior surface of the rotating drapery support rod.   
     
     
         2 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit around the drapery support rod;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit within the exterior member.   
     
     
         3 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit around the drapery support rod;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit within the exterior member;   the exterior member has an interior surface and an exterior surface;   the interior member has an interior surface and an exterior surface;   the exterior surface of the exterior member forms the exterior surface of the ring;   the interior surface of the interior member forms the interior surface of the ring; and   the interior surface of the exterior member is operably connected to the exterior surface of the interior member.   
     
     
         4 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material.   
     
     
         5 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material wherein the second material is self-lubricating.   
     
     
         6 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member and drapery support rod are formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material.   
     
     
         7 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material the first material is a metal and the second material is a plastic.   
     
     
         8 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material the first material is a metal and the second material is a non-metallic material.   
     
     
         9 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the ring having an attachment member;   the attachment member configured and arranged for connecting to an upper edge of a shade material.   
     
     
         10 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes a loop member configured and arranged for connecting to a drapery pin.   
     
     
         11 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes a loop member configured and arranged for connecting to a drapery pin;   the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes an adapter member configured to operably connect with the loop member.   
     
     
         12 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the ring has an attachment member;   the attachment member has a left channel and a right channel;   the left channel and right channel configured to receive a drapery pin;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the left channel the drapery pin is held in a generally left-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the right channel the drapery pin is held in a generally right-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring.   
     
     
         13 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the ring having an attachment member;   the attachment member having a left channel and a right channel;   the left channel and right channel configured to receive a drapery pin;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the left channel the drapery pin is held in a generally left-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the right channel the drapery pin is held in a generally right-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring;   the left-angled alignment is approximately forty-five degrees from a perpendicular alignment.   
     
     
         14 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the ring having an attachment member;   the attachment member having a left channel and a right channel;   the left channel and right channel configured to receive a drapery pin;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the left channel the drapery pin is held in a generally left-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring;   wherein when the drapery pin is positioned within the right channel the drapery pin is held in a generally right-angled alignment to the center axis of the ring;   wherein the right-angled alignment is approximately forty-five degrees from a perpendicular alignment.   
     
     
         15 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , further comprising a connection member connected to the ring, the connection member configured to receive a lead that is configured to space the ring from adjacent rings. 
     
     
         16 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   the interior surface of the ring includes one or more guide members configured to engage with the helical guide structure in a manner causing the ring to move a shade material laterally to a closed position in response to rotation of the drapery support rod in a first direction; and move the shade material lateral to an open position in response to rotation of the drapery support rod in a second direction.   
     
     
         17 . The drapery system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   the interior surface of the ring includes at least one tooth that extends from the interior surface of the ring and engages the helical guide structure of the exterior surface of the drapery support rod.   
     
     
         18 . A drapery system, comprising;
 a ring;   the ring having an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides;   the ring having an exterior surface and an interior surface;   the ring forming a hollow interior;   a drapery support rod;   the drapery support rod having a generally cylindrical exterior surface;   the drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   wherein the interior surface of the ring includes at least one tooth that extends from the interior surface of the ring and engages the helical guide structure of the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   wherein when the drapery support rod is rotated, the ring slides along the exterior surface of the rotating drapery support rod;   a connection member connected to the ring;   wherein the connection member configured to receive a lead that is configured to space the ring from adjacent rings at spaced intervals.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the lead is a beaded chain having a plurality of beads spaced at intervals. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the lead is a beaded chain, and the connection member is capable of connecting with leads having beads of varying sizes. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the ring, when viewed from one of the opposing sides, has a non-circular shape that is elongated between the upper end and the lower end; and
 the non-circular shape having a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter;   the drapery support rod having an exterior diameter corresponding in size with the first diameter of the ring.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the connection member is formed of a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end;
 wherein the lower end of the flexible arm is operably connected to the ring;   wherein a gap is positioned between the flexible arm and the ring;   wherein the gap widens as the flexible arm extends from the lower end to the upper end of the flexible arm.   
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the connection member is formed of a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end;
 wherein the lower end of the flexible arm is operably connected to the ring;   wherein a gap is positioned between the flexible arm and the ring;   a plurality of recesses positioned in the gap, wherein the recesses are configured to receive and hold the lead.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the connection member is formed of a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end;
 wherein the lower end of the flexible arm is operably connected to the ring;   wherein a gap is positioned between the flexible arm and the ring;   a plurality of recesses positioned in the gap, wherein the recesses are configured to receive and hold beads of the lead.   
     
     
         25 . A drapery system, comprising;
 a ring;   the ring having an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides;   the ring having an exterior surface and an interior surface;   the ring forming a hollow interior;   a drapery support rod;   wherein the ring is positioned around the drapery support rod;   wherein the ring slides along the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   a connection member connected to the ring;   wherein the connection member is a hook;   wherein the connection member is configured to receive a lead that is configured to space the ring from adjacent rings at spaced intervals.   
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the lead is a beaded chain. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the lead is a beaded chain having a plurality of beads spaced at intervals. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the lead is a beaded chain, and the connection member is capable of connecting with leads having beads of varying sizes. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;
 wherein the interior surface of the ring includes at least one tooth that extends from the interior surface of the ring and engages the helical guide structure of the exterior surface of the drapery support rod;   wherein when the drapery support rod is rotated, the ring slides along the exterior surface of the rotating drapery support rod.   
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the ring, when viewed from one of the opposing sides, has a non-circular shape that is elongated between the upper end and the lower end; and
 the non-circular shape having a first diameter at the upper end and having a second diameter at the lower end, wherein the second diameter is larger than the first diameter;   the drapery support rod having an exterior diameter corresponding in size with the first diameter of the ring.   
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the connection member includes a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end;
 wherein the lower end of the flexible arm is operably connected to the ring;   wherein a gap is positioned between the flexible arm and the ring;   wherein the gap widens as the flexible arm extends from the lower end to the upper end of the flexible arm.   
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the connection member includes a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end;
 wherein the lower end of the flexible arm is operably connected to the ring;   wherein a gap is positioned between the flexible arm and the ring;   a plurality of recesses positioned in the gap, wherein the recesses are configured to receive and hold the lead.   
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a second ring;   wherein the second ring is positioned around the drapery support rod adjacent to the first-mentioned ring;   a second connection member connected to the second ring;   wherein the second connection member is a hook;   wherein the second connection member configured to receive the lead;   wherein the lead restricts the maximum distance between the first-mentioned ring and the second ring on the drapery support rod.   
     
     
         34 . A drapery system, comprising;
 a drapery support rod extending a length between opposing ends;   a plurality of rings positioned around the drapery support rod, the plurality of rings having a connection member formed of a flexible arm extending from a lower end to an upper end that forms a gap that is configured to receive and hold onto a lead positioned within the gap thereby setting the maximum distance between adjacent rings.   
     
     
         35 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit around the drapery support rod;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit within the exterior member.   
     
     
         36 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit around the drapery support rod;   wherein the interior member is configured to fit within the exterior member;   the exterior member has an interior surface and an exterior surface;   the interior member has an interior surface and an exterior surface;   the exterior surface of the exterior member forms the exterior surface of the ring;   the interior surface of the interior member forms the interior surface of the ring; and   the interior surface of the exterior member is operably connected to the exterior surface of the interior member.   
     
     
         37 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material.   
     
     
         38 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material wherein the second material is self-lubricating.   
     
     
         39 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member and drapery support rod are formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material.   
     
     
         40 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material the first material is a metal and the second material is a plastic.   
     
     
         41 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein the ring includes:
 an exterior member; and   an interior member;   the exterior member is formed from a first material; and   the interior member is formed from a second material different from the first material the first material is a metal and the second material is a non-metallic material.   
     
     
         42 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 the ring having an attachment member;   the attachment member configured and arranged for connecting to an upper edge of a shade material.   
     
     
         43 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein:
 the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes a loop member configured and arranged for connecting to a drapery pin.   
     
     
         44 . The drapery system of  claim 34 , wherein:
 the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes a loop member configured and arranged for connecting to a drapery pin;   the ring includes an attachment member;   the attachment member includes an adapter member configured to operably connect with the loop member.